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Hatsukokoro  |  SKU: HT-KRGN-B2KU-GY210BC

Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue 2 Kurouchi K-tip Gyuto 210mm Black Chacate

$179.95

Add a saya or K&S Knife Roll to receive $20 bundle discount!

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K&S Price: AU $179.95* inc. tax , vs:
Store CE AU $169.0 --5.59%

* For overseas buyers you pay no GST (10%) and low shipping rate.
Last Update: 2025-03-01T01:01:58Z

Detailed Specifications
Line Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue 2 Kurouchi
Profile Gyuto / Chefs Knife
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 169 g        5.96 oz
Edge Length 207 mm   .8.15 inch
Heel Height 51 mm     .2.01 inch
Width @ Spine 2.9 mm     0.11 inch
Width @ Mid 1.8 mm     0.07 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 1.2 mm     0.05 inch
Steel Blue 2 / Aogami #2 | Carbon
Blade Construction Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad
Hardness (HRC) 61 - 63
Surface Finish Kurouchi
Handle Octagonal Black Chacate
Region Hyogo
Best for
  • Enthusiasts
  • Students
    		•
    • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
    • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


    The Hatsukokoro Kurogane(黒鉄, Black Iron) can be considered as the Blue 2 version of the popular Kokugei line. Main difference is the core steel is Blue 2 instead of Blue 1, and the slightly blue tint is not present on the Kotetsu, it is just as the name implies, a Kurouchi finished, iron cladding knife.

    For the experienced eyes, it won't be hard to tell that this knife is made in the Tosa region. The wild hammer marks can be clearly seen under the rustic black oxidation layer. Although the finish is on the rough side, its performance is still quite decent. The bevel is a slight convex grind, but left with some thickness behind the edge, it won't fly through food like many other knives but once the cut initiates, the very positive food release will help the cut to be smooth.

    The additional thickness also means the edge is on the stronger side, it can be pushed a bit harder, which kind of fits it purpose as a budget, rough use knife. For the seasoned expert, the iron cladding means the bevel geometry can be modified with relative ease, and the thicker blade can be turned into a thinner one.

    I shall consider the Kurogane as a interesting brother to the Kokugei line, with their very friendly price and decent maintainability due to the Kurouchi finish, they are both a strong contender for those who are picking their first carbon steel knife. It's a knife that you can really live and explore with, which can be a valuable thing before steeping up to a more demanding and expensive knife.

    Pros Cons
  • Budget friendly
  • Workhorse grind
    		•
  • On the thicker side
  • Fit and finish can be improved
  • Prone to rust
    		•

    Care Instruction
    1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
    2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
    3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
    4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
    5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
    6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.
    7. Oil the (carbon) knife if storing for an extended period of time to prevent rust.

    Hatsukokoro

    Hatsukokoro as a brand works extensively with the Japanese kitchen knife industry. Through collaboration with makers and manufacturers across the Japan, they’ve designed and created a huge collection of different knives, covering every possible price range while having a great value in many of their product lines. Their capabilities to incorporate resources have built a strong relation with knife makers, and more and more are happy to send their knives down to Amagasaki and have them delivered across the world.

    • Profile: Gyuto

      Chefs Knife

      A Japanese chef's knife is known as a gyuto (牛刀 ぎゅうとう） gyūtō?), literally meaning 'beef knife'. Its blade resembles a flatter version of a French chef's knife. Japanese cutlery is known for sharpness due to its acute blade geometry, and the hardness of the steel used, sometimes exceeding 60 HRC on the Rockwell Scale A typical western chef's knife may be sharpened to an edge angle of 20-22°, while a Japanese gyuto generally has a sharper edge angle of 15-18° (or even lower), which requires a harder, more brittle grade of steel. In recent years Japanese gyuto have gained in popularity with western chefs.

      A modern chef's knife is a multi-purpose knife designed to perform well at many differing kitchen tasks, rather than excelling at any one in particular. It can be used for mincing, slicing, and chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and disjointing large cuts.

      Slide for more >>

    • Steel: Blue 2 / Aogami #2

      Blue Steel No.2, also recognized as Aogami No.2, is a distinguished high carbon steel produced by Hitachi Metals Ltd, enhanced by the addition of chromium and tungsten to the base of White Steel No.2. This modification brings about an improvement in toughness and the creation of hard carbide molecules, which significantly boost edge retention. Although its sharpness is comparable to that of White Steel No.2, Blue Steel No.2 offers a slight advantage in maintaining its edge.

      Widely favored for its versatility, Aogami No.2 is celebrated for its ease of sharpening and robust resistance to chipping, making it an ideal choice for those new to Aogami steel knives. Containing 1.0–1.2% carbon and achieving a typical hardness of 62–63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, it stands as the benchmark in evaluating Aogami steel cutlery.

      Manufacturer:

      • Hitachi Special Steel, Japan

      Nature: Carbon

      Hardness: 61- 63

      << Slide for more >>

    • Construction: Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad

      Sanmai iron cladding is a traditional Japanese knife construction technique where a hard steel core is sandwiched between two layers of softer iron or steel. This method combines the superior edge retention and sharpness of high-carbon steel with the durability and ease of maintenance provided by the softer outer layers. The sanmai structure offers a balanced knife that is both flexible and resistant to breaking, ideal for precision cutting tasks. The softer outer layers also facilitate easier sharpening and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the knife through the development of a unique patina over time. While sanmai-clad knives require careful maintenance to prevent rust, their exceptional performance and distinctive appearance make them often a desirable feature of Japanese knives.

      << Slide for more >>

    • Finish: Kurouchi

      Kurouchi refers to the rustic, unpolished finish found on the blade of many traditional Japanese kitchen knives. This blacksmith's finish is characterized by its dark, textured appearance, which is the result of leaving the blade forge-scale on the steel during production. Kurouchi finish not only adds a unique aesthetic appeal but also provides certain practical benefits. It acts as a protective layer against rust and corrosion, and helps to reduce food sticking to the blade during cutting. Commonly seen on high-quality, hand-forged knives, the kurouchi finish emphasizes the artisanal nature of the knife and its heritage, making each piece distinctively unique.

      << Slide for more >>

    • Handle Specs

      Profile: Octagonal WA

      Material:

      • Black Chacate

      Black Chacate is a highly valued timber known for its deep, rich brown to almost black coloration, fine texture, and exceptional durability. It polishes well, offering an exquisite finish that highlights its subtle, elegant grain patterns. This wood is often used in fine woodworking projects, including luxury furniture, decorative items, and high-end knife handles.

      An octagonal wa handle made from Black Chacate wood would exhibit a sleek, geometric shape that fits comfortably in the hand, enhancing the user's grip and control. The deep hues and natural luster of Black Chacate add a touch of sophistication and unparalleled beauty to the handle, making it not only a functional component of a kitchen knife but also a piece of art. The durability and stability of Black Chacate ensure that the handle withstands the rigors of kitchen use while maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time.

      << Slide for more

    Hatsukokoro

    Hatsukokoro Kurogane Blue 2 Kurouchi K-tip Gyuto 210mm Black Chacate

    $179.95

    The Hatsukokoro Kurogane(黒鉄, Black Iron) can be considered as the Blue 2 version of the popular Kokugei line. Main difference is the core steel is Blue 2 instead of Blue 1, and the slightly blue tint is not present on the Kotetsu, it is just as the name implies, a Kurouchi finished, iron cladding knife.For the experienced eyes, it won't be hard to tell that this knife is made in the Tosa region. The wild hammer marks can be clearly seen under the rustic black oxidation layer. Although the finish is on the rough side, its performance is still quite decent. The bevel is a slight convex grind, but left with some thickness behind the edge, it won't fly through food like many other knives but once the cut initiates, the very positive food release will help the cut to be smooth. The additional thickness also means the edge is on the stronger side, it can be pushed a bit harder, which kind of fits it purpose as a budget, rough use knife. For the seasoned expert, the iron cladding means the bevel geometry can be modified with relative ease, and the thicker blade can be turned into a thinner one. I shall consider the Kurogane as a interesting brother to the Kokugei line, with their very friendly price and decent maintainability due to the Kurouchi finish, they are both a strong contender for those who are picking their first carbon steel knife. It's a knife that you can really live and explore with, which can be a valuable thing before steeping up to a more demanding and expensive knife.

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